UK accommodation specialist Bedbank.net plans to capture a greater slice
of the Eastern Mediterranean market with the introduction of a dedicated
office in the region.The Cyprus-based office will be led by Bedbank’s latest recruit,
commercial manager Sarah Astley. Astley brings to Bedbank a wealth of
experience in the accommodation-only sector having spent time at Libra
Holidays Beds4all division. Prior to joining Libra she was responsible
for the Cosmos Cyprus programme for more than 10 years.

The introduction of a team in Cyprus will enable Bedbank to react more
quickly to market trends as well as build on the strong relationships
with many existing hoteliers in the region.

 

The Cyprus office will also enable agents to be more dynamic with faster
access to special offers, which through technology provided by Vertical
Systems, will be made available on the website a few hours after they
have been received from hotels.

 

Although Bedbank is currently stronger in the Western Mediterranean
region the presence of an office in Cyprus will carry its competitive
pricing and customer service levels through to the Eastern
Mediterranean. The 24-hour duty office will also be introduced into the
area giving customers help and support where required.

 

Bedbank.net general manager Janette Bell said: “We are planning to
duplicate our successes in the Western Med in the Eastern Med. We have
recruited a strong team and we will be building on the already solid
working relationships with many local hoteliers.”

 

Agents will have the opportunity to find out more about the Cyprus
commercial department at World Travel Market where Bedbank is exhibiting
for the first time. The accommodation-only service also plans to
showcase the Dynamite dynamic packaging system at WTM. Dynamite enables
agents dynamically package holiday components using Bedbank as the
accommodation provider. The system simultaneously allows agents to
compare prices with tour operator packages.

 

Bedbank is also encouraging hoteliers to take advantage of WTM to
contract for the Summer 2007 Eastern Mediterranean programme. The
company plans to offer pre-payment terms to all hoteliers signing up to
the programme to demonstrate its commitment to the region.
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